admin
Valerie Mpundu
A 19-year-old Epworth choreographer, Leone “Laycone” Chimwanamwana, wants to empower his community through dance.
He said creating and arranging dances combined with rhythm and movements was in his blood.
For Laycone, it is all about passion, while impacting the youths in his society.
In an interview, the choreographer highlighted the need for dance to be recognised as a career.
“Dance is inborn. I have always wanted to dance since childhood. To me, it is more about merely dancing. I want to improve and change the lives of people in my community.
“I am trying my best to put it up as a career and channel it off, being a hobby. I would love to live on it.
“Art is varied and if well received, it can generate income enough to sustain people. I might still be starting but I hope to make a name for myself through dance. I hope to encourage and teach my peers,” he said.
Laycone, who started at a very tender age, said he has received massive support from fans gaining invitations to various events.
“Indeed I have so many recognisable achievements so far. I have attended shows, dance competitions, and weddings getting reasonable amounts to push me through,” he said.
Currently, Laycone is not going to school since he has chosen choreography after completing his Ordinary Level.
He is working with a very mobile team as they do not have a permanent place from where they can operate from.
“My group is Freaky Bubbles and we have managed to expose talent within our community, equip and discourage ourselves from drugs. Once one is idle, they can create mayhem and havoc.
“Dance should bridge that gap, giving life to the youths and helping them realise their potential. They can make use of their talent and channel it towards a different course of action.
“We do not have a fixed place to train as yet. However, I am not giving up. I want to teach dance and wherever we are invited is where the training happens. Sometimes I gather the team at home for rehearsals,” he said.
This nomadic behaviour has had a strain on Laycone’s pockets because whatever earnings they get, has to sponsor their next venture.
“We have faced financial challenges and sponsorship is hard to come by as well as a fixed venue. We thrive by supporting each other as a group. I think it is the determination we have that keeps us a united front,” he said.
Laycone hopes to pursue dance as a sustainable career as he sees himself nowhere outside of dance.
“It is only a matter of time, but I know pretty soon I will be telling my story. Changing lives in my community, reaching far and beyond Africa.
“I love dancing and I do not see myself stopping any time soon. If careers can be made out of other professions then for me dancing has to be the hallmark,” he added.
Online Reporter